WO2025193020A1 - Refrigerator and method of controlling refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body that forms a storage chamber; a first cooling device that includes a compressor and an evaporator and cools the storage chamber; a second cooling device that includes a thermoelectric element and cools the storage chamber; a first temperature sensor that senses the outside air temperature outside the main body; a second temperature sensor that senses the temperature in the storage chamber; and at least one processor which, in an overload condition in which the temperature of the storage chamber is at least a certain temperature above the set temperature of the storage chamber, performs both first cooling, for cooling the storage chamber by means of the first cooling device, and second cooling, for cooling the storage chamber by means of the second cooling device, on the basis of the outside air temperature being within a preset temperature range, and performs only the first cooling on the basis of the outside air temperature not being within the preset temperature range.

Description

Refrigerator and refrigerator control method

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having a thermoelectric element and a compressor for cooling a storage room and a method for controlling the refrigerator.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body with a storage compartment and a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment to keep food fresh.

A thermoelectric cooling device that generates heat and cooling through the Peltier effect can be used as a cooling device in a refrigerator. The thermoelectric cooling device may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has a heating element formed on one side and a cooling element formed on the opposite side. When current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat generation occurs in the heating element and heat absorption occurs in the cooling element.

The thermoelectric cooling device may be equipped with a heat sink, a cooling sink, a heat sink fan, a cooling fan, a heat duct, and a cooling duct to increase the efficiency of cooling the storage room through the thermoelectric cooling device.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator that can cool a storage room more efficiently under overload conditions or rapid cooling conditions.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include: a main body forming a storage compartment; a first cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator and cooling the storage compartment; a second cooling device including a thermoelectric element and cooling the storage compartment; a first temperature sensor detecting an outside temperature outside the main body; a second temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the storage compartment; and at least one processor configured to simultaneously perform first cooling by cooling the storage compartment by the first cooling device based on whether the outside temperature is within a preset temperature range and second cooling by cooling the storage compartment by the second cooling device under an overload condition in which the temperature of the storage compartment is higher than a set temperature of the storage compartment by a predetermined temperature or more, and to perform only the first cooling based on whether the outside temperature is not within the preset temperature range.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method for a refrigerator includes: a first cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator and cooling a storage compartment; a second cooling device including a thermoelectric element and cooling the storage compartment; wherein, in an overload condition in which the temperature of the storage compartment is higher than a set temperature of the storage compartment by a predetermined temperature or more, first cooling for cooling the storage compartment by the first cooling device and second cooling for cooling the storage compartment by the second cooling device are performed together based on the outside temperature of the refrigerator being within a preset temperature range, and only the first cooling is performed based on the outside temperature not being within the preset temperature range.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an operation of cooling a storage compartment according to an outside temperature in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operation of cooling a storage compartment when the outside temperature is in a first temperature range in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operation of cooling a storage compartment when the outside temperature is in a second temperature range in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Fig. 12 illustrates an example of an operation for cooling a storage room under rapid cooling conditions in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Fig. 13 illustrates another example of an operation for cooling a storage compartment under rapid cooling conditions in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a cabinet.

A “cabinet” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer case" may form the exterior of the cabinet and may be joined to the exterior of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

"Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and/or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the cabinet in a pivotal or sliding manner.

The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to a cabinet, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by pressing against the front of the cabinet when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and/or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the cabinet to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and/or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and/or data memorized in the memory.

Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and/or data stored/stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the upper portion of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (100), storage chambers (11, 12, 13) formed inside the main body (100), and doors (21, 22, 23, 24) provided to open and close the storage chambers (11, 12, 13).

The main body (100) may include an inner case (170), an outer case (180) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (170), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case (170) and the outer case (180) (see FIG. 6). The inner case (170) may form a storage chamber (11, 12, 13), and the outer case (180) may form the outer appearance of the main body (100).

In another aspect, the main body (100) may include an upper wall (110), a lower wall (120), a left wall (130), a right wall (140), and a rear wall (150). The upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may form an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear wall of the main body (100), respectively.

Each of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150) may be formed of an inner surface (170), an outer surface (180), and an insulating material (190). For example, the upper surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the outer surface (180), the lower surface of the upper wall (110) may be formed by the inner surface (170), and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (110).

The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can accommodate items. The storage compartments (11, 12, 13) can be formed to have an open front side so that items can be put in or taken out. The main body (100) can include a horizontal partition wall (160) that divides the first storage compartment (11) from the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13), and a vertical partition wall (161) that divides the second storage compartment (12) from the third storage compartment (13). The first storage compartment (11) can be provided at the upper part of the main body (100), and the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13) can be provided at the lower part of the main body (100). The first storage compartment (11) can be a refrigerator compartment, the second storage compartment (12) can be a freezer compartment, and the third storage compartment (13) can be a variable temperature compartment.

The first storage room (11) can be maintained at a first set temperature, the second storage room (12) can be maintained at a second set temperature, and the third storage room (13) can be maintained at a third set temperature.

The second set temperature may be set lower than the first set temperature and the third set temperature. The second set temperature, the first set temperature, and the third set temperature may be settable by the user.

Doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can open and close storage rooms (11, 12, 13). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the first storage room (11), the third door (23) can open and close the second storage room (12), and the fourth door (24) can open and close the third storage room (13). The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (100).

The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by hinges. For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) by a hinge (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (100) and a hinge provided in the middle of the main body (100), respectively. The hinge (31) may include a hinge pin that protrudes vertically to form a rotational axis of the door. The hinge (31) may be covered by a top cover (300) provided to cover the upper front portion of the main body (100).

A rotating bar (40) may be provided on either the first door (21) or the second door (22) to cover the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided rotatably on either the first door (21) or the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a pillar, a mullion, or the like.

A guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the main body (100).

The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be pressed against the front of the body (100) when the doors (21, 22, 23, 24) are closed. The doors (21, 22, 23, 24) may include a ditch (52) that protrudes rearward. A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the ditch (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the ditch (52).

Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there is no limitation on the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) arranged to cool the storage compartment (11).

A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper side of the storage room (11) to cool the storage room (11). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100).

A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530). The thermoelectric element (530) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy or electrical energy into thermal energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like.

A thermoelectric element (530) includes a heating element (531) and a cooling element (532). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (530), a heating action may occur in the heating element (531) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling element (532). The thermoelectric element (530) may have a thin hexahedral shape. A heating element (531) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (530) and a cooling element (532) may be provided on the opposite surface.

The thermoelectric element (530) may be provided on the upper wall (110) such that the heating portion (531) faces above the thermoelectric element (530) and the cooling portion (532) faces below the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the heating portion (531) may face the outside of the main body (100) and the cooling portion (532) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11). Accordingly, air that has been warmed through heat exchange with the heating portion (531) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air that has been cooled through heat exchange with the cooling portion (532) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat sink (520) that contacts the heat generating unit (531) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (531) and the air outside the main body (100) is efficiently performed.

A heat sink (520) may be located outside the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may contact the heat generating portion (531) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (531) and release heat to the outside of the main body (100). The heat sink (520) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

The heat sink (520) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (520) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

The heat sink (520) may include a heat sink base (521) that contacts the heat generating portion (531) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) that protrude from the heat sink base (521) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (521).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (532) and the air inside the storage chamber (11) is efficiently performed.

A cooling sink (570) may be located inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling sink (570) may cool the storage compartment (11) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532). The cooling sink (570) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

The cooling sink (570) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (570) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

The cooling sink (570) may include a cooling sink base (571) that contacts the cooling unit (532) and a plurality of cooling fins (575) that protrude from the cooling sink base (571) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (525) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (571). The cooling sink base (571) and the plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed integrally.

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation fan (600) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the air outside the main body (100).

The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged to blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged to be positioned horizontally with respect to the heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged on the outside of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged on the upper side of the upper wall (110).

The heat dissipation fan (600) may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (610) of the heat dissipation fan (600) may be arranged perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a heat dissipation duct (700) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (600). The heat dissipation duct (700) may guide air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

The heat dissipation duct (700) can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation duct (700) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (100). The heat dissipation fan (600) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation sink (520) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (700). The heat dissipation duct (700) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (110).

The heat dissipation duct (700) may include an outside air intake port (751) that draws air outside the main body (100) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (700), and an outside air exhaust port (782) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) to the outside of the main body (100).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (570) and the air inside the storage chamber (11).

The cooling fan (800) may be arranged to blow air toward the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (570). The cooling fan (800) may be arranged inside the storage compartment (11). The cooling fan (800) may be arranged on the lower side of the upper wall (110).

The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan (800) may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall (110).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (700) may guide air inside the storage chamber (11) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage chamber (11).

The cooling fan (800) may be located inside the cooling duct (900). The cooling sink (570) may be located inside the cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (110).

The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) for drawing air inside the storage room (11) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) into the interior of the storage room (11).

Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage compartment through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (2), a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3). The evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear of the storage compartment (12, 13).

According to various embodiments, the evaporator may not be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11). That is, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include only one evaporator (3), and the evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12). In addition, the evaporator (3) may be provided at the lower side based on the horizontal bulkhead (160).

The refrigerator (1) may include a defrost sensor (111) for measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3).

The defrost sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). Measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) may include measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the evaporator (3) and measuring the temperature of the evaporator (3) itself.

The defrost sensor (111) may be provided in the evaporator (3) or in the evaporator ducts (60, 70).

The refrigerator (1) may include evaporator ducts (60, 70) that guide cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided at the rear side of the second storage compartment (12) and the third storage compartment (13). The second evaporator duct (70) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage compartment (11).

The cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be discharged to the second storage chamber (12) or the third storage chamber (13) through a cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on the front. In addition, the cold air sucked into the interior of the first evaporator duct (60) can be guided to the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70). The first evaporator duct (60) may be provided with a damper (61) that controls the supply of the cold air inside the first evaporator duct (60) to the second evaporator duct (70). A connecting duct (90) may be provided between the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70) to connect the first evaporator duct (60) and the second evaporator duct (70).

The internal flow path (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can guide the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the first storage chamber (11).

The damper (61) can open or close the internal flow path (78).

When the internal passage (78) is opened by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be guided to the first storage chamber (11).

When the internal passage (78) is closed by the damper (61), the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be blocked by the damper (61) and may not be guided to the first storage chamber (11).

Cold air introduced into the internal passage (78) of the second evaporator duct (70) can be supplied to the first storage chamber (11) through the cold air discharge port (72) formed on the front of the second evaporator duct (70).

However, unlike the above embodiment, the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be supplied directly to the second evaporator duct (70) without passing through the first evaporator duct (60). In addition, a separate evaporator (3) may be provided at the rear side of the first storage chamber (11) and configured to supply cold air to the second evaporator duct (70).

As such, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a thermoelectric cooling device (400) and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling a storage compartment. Accordingly, the storage compartment may be cooled using at least one of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) and the refrigeration cycle device. For example, the storage compartment may be cooled by supplying only the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device. Additionally, the storage compartment may be cooled by supplying the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) together with the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device to the storage compartment.

The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) depending on external and internal conditions. For example, if the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) is higher or lower than a preset temperature range, cooling by a refrigeration cycle device is more efficient than cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device (400). Therefore, if the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) is higher or lower than a preset temperature range, the storage compartment (11) can be cooled only by cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

When the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) is within a preset temperature range and the storage compartment (11) is overloaded or the storage compartment (11) needs to be rapidly cooled, the storage compartment (11) can be quickly cooled by simultaneously supplying cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device and cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (400) to the storage compartment (11).

Meanwhile, although it has been described that the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is provided on the upper wall (110) of the main body (100), the location of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) is not limited thereto.

According to various embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may be provided on at least one of the upper wall (110), the lower wall (120), the left wall (130), the right wall (140), and the rear wall (150).

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a thermoelectric cooling device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric module (500).

The thermoelectric element (530), heat sink (520), and cooling sink (570) described above can be assembled integrally to form a thermoelectric module (500). That is, the thermoelectric module (500) can include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat sink (520), a cooling sink (570), and a module plate (550).

The module plate (550) can serve as a skeleton of the thermoelectric module (500). The module plate (550) can be formed of a resin material having low thermal conductivity. The module plate (550) can maintain a gap between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) and support the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570). The module plate (550) can be formed integrally with a fan case (650) to be described later. However, the module plate (550) can also be provided separately from the fan case (650).

The module plate (550) may include a heat sink support (552) that supports a heat sink (520).

The module plate (550) may include a module plate opening (551). The thermoelectric element (530) may be arranged inside the module plate opening (551). The vertical length of the module plate opening (551) may be greater than the vertical length of the thermoelectric element (530), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be arranged on the upper side of the module plate opening (551). The reason why the thermoelectric element (530) is arranged on the upper side inside the module plate opening (551) is because the heat generation amount of the thermoelectric element (530) is typically higher than the heat absorption amount, and the positioning of the thermoelectric element (530) on the upper side of the module plate opening (551) is advantageous for heat dissipation of the heating unit (531).

In this way, since the thermoelectric element (530) is placed on the upper side of the module plate opening (551), the cooling sink (570) may include a cooling conductive portion (574) protruding from the cooling sink base (571) for contact with the cooling portion (532) of the thermoelectric element (530).

The thermoelectric module (500) may include a module plate (550) and an element insulation material (540) that insulates the thermoelectric element (530). The element insulation material (540) may be placed in the module plate opening (551) to prevent a side of the thermoelectric element (530) from contacting the module plate (550). The element insulation material (540) includes an element insulation opening (541), and the thermoelectric element (530) may be accommodated in the element insulation opening (541).

The thermoelectric module (500) may include a sink insulation (580) provided between the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570). The sink insulation (580) may prevent heat from being transferred between the heat dissipation sink (520) and the cooling sink (570) through the module plate (550). The sink insulation (580) may include a sink insulation opening (581). However, the sink insulation (580) may be omitted, in which case the heat dissipation sink (520) may be supported on the upper surface of the module plate (550) and the cooling sink (570) may be supported on the lower surface of the module plate (550).

The thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a fan case (650) in which a heat dissipation fan (600) is installed and which guides the air blown by the heat dissipation fan (600).

The fan case (650) may be formed integrally with the module plate (550) or may be provided separately.

The fan case (650) may include a case bottom (650) on which a heat dissipation fan (600) is rotatably installed, and a case scroll part (670) extending upward from the edge of the case bottom (650) to guide air blown from the heat dissipation fan (600) toward a heat dissipation sink (520). The heat dissipation fan (600) is a centrifugal fan, and may be installed on the case bottom (650) so that the rotation axis (610) is perpendicular to the case bottom (650). In addition, the heat dissipation sink (520) may be positioned in one radial direction of the heat dissipation fan (600). With this structure, the overall vertical length of the thermoelectric cooling device (400) can be made compact.

The case scroll portion (670) may be formed to surround the heat dissipation fan (600). The case scroll portion (670) may have a scroll portion opening (673) open toward the heat dissipation sink (520). The case scroll portion (670) may include a downstream end (671) along the rotational direction (R) of the heat dissipation fan (600) and an upstream end (672) along the rotational direction (R).

The fan case (650) may include a case guide (680) provided to guide air flowing from the heat dissipation fan (600) to the area around the downstream end (671) of the case scroll section (670).

The heat sink (520) may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude from the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521). The plurality of heat dissipation fins (525) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface (522) of the heat dissipation sink base (521).

Heat dissipation channels may be formed between the plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

The heat dissipation fan (600) can blow air toward the heat dissipation sink (520), and the air flowing by the heat dissipation fan (600) can pass through the heat dissipation channels and exchange heat with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (525).

The cooling sink (570) may include a plurality of cooling fins (575). The plurality of cooling fins (575) may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the cooling sink base (571).

Cooling channels may be formed between the plurality of cooling fins (575).

Air flowing by the cooling fan (800) can pass through the cooling channels and exchange heat with a plurality of cooling fins (575).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a defrost sensor (111), an internal sensor (112), an external sensor (113), a user interface (200), a communication interface (250), a first cooling device (450), a second cooling device (400), and a control unit (350).

The defrost sensor (111) can measure the temperature of the evaporator (3). The defrost sensor (111) can transmit information about the temperature of the evaporator (3) to the control unit (350).

A refrigerator (1) may include an internal sensor (112) for measuring the temperature of a storage compartment (11) and an external sensor (113) for measuring the ambient temperature outside the main body (100). The external sensor (113) may be referred to as a first temperature sensor, and the internal sensor (112) may be referred to as a second temperature sensor.

The internal sensor (112) may include a first internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) and a second internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the second storage chamber (12). According to various embodiments, the internal sensor (112) may further include a third internal temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the third storage chamber (13).

Information acquired from the internal sensor (112) can be transmitted to the control unit (350).

The external sensor (113) may include an external temperature sensor for measuring the external temperature outside the main body (100).

Information acquired from the external sensor (113) can be transmitted to the control unit (350).

The refrigerator (1) may include a user interface (200).

The user interface (200) can convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

The user interface (200) may include a power button, an operation button, a menu selection button, a freezing/refrigeration setting button, a rapid cooling setting button, etc. For example, it may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The user interface (200) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the refrigerator (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the refrigerator can be output through a screen, indicator, voice, etc. For example, it can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

The refrigerator (1) may include a communication interface (250) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wires and/or wirelessly.

The communication interface (250) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

The communication interface (250) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a temperature probe), or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (250) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (250) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the communication interface (250) can communicate with external devices via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

The refrigerator (1) can receive various signals (e.g., weather information, remote instructions) from an external device (e.g., server, user device) through a communication interface (250).

The refrigerator (1) can transmit various signals to an external device through a communication interface (250).

The refrigerator (1) may include a first cooling device (450) configured to supply cold air to a first storage compartment (11) and/or a second storage compartment (12).

The first cooling device (450) may include a compressor (2) and an evaporator fan (80).

The compressor (2) can compress the refrigerant and supply the compressed refrigerant to a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser (not shown), an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator (3)).

The control unit (350) can control the temperature of the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) by controlling the compressor (2). For example, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) so that the temperature measured by the internal sensor (112) maintains a predetermined target temperature.

Controlling the compressor (2) may include controlling the on/off of the compressor (2) or controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (2).

The control unit (350) can blow the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) to the second storage room (12) by controlling the evaporator fan (80).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can drive the evaporator fan (80) while driving the compressor (2).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) in cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) at a first set temperature.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may or may not drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) at the first set temperature. For example, the control unit (350) may not drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) at the first set temperature when the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) is lower than the second set temperature.

As another example, the control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) at the first set temperature while the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) is higher than the second set temperature.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can control the compressor (2) in cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) at the set temperature of the second storage chamber (12) (hereinafter, “second set temperature”).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the evaporator fan (80) when driving the compressor (2) to maintain the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) at the second set temperature.

The refrigerator (1) may include a defrost heater (3h) configured to defrost the evaporator (3).

Defrosting the evaporator (3) may include removing frost formed on the evaporator (3).

The evaporator heater (3h) may include an electric heater and/or a sheath heater, and may be provided around (e.g., on the lower side) the evaporator (3).

When frost is formed on the evaporator (3), the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the defrost sensor (111) drops below a predetermined temperature.

When the defrost heater (3h) is operated, the frost formed on the evaporator (3) melts, and accordingly, the temperature of the evaporator (3) measured by the defrost sensor (111) increases.

The control unit (350) can drive the defrosting heater (3h) to defrost the evaporator (3), and can turn off the defrosting heater (3h) when it is determined that the defrosting of the evaporator (3) is complete.

The refrigerator (1) may include a damper (61) that opens or closes a passage (78) for guiding cold air generated by the first cooling device (450) to the first storage chamber (11).

The cold air generated by the first cooling device (450) may be cold air generated by the evaporator (3).

The damper (61) may be replaced with various configurations that can open or close the flow path (78). In one embodiment, the damper (61) may be an electronically controlled damper and/or a mechanically controlled damper. The damper (61) may be implemented in various forms, such as a rotary damper, a valve-type damper, or a sliding damper.

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to drive the first cooling device (450) to lower the temperature of the first storage room (11) and to open the duct (78). Driving the first cooling device (450) may include driving the compressor (2).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the passage (78) in the defrost mode of the evaporator (3). For example, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the passage (78) before driving the defrost heater (3h).

According to the present disclosure, when the defrost heater (3h) is driven, the temperature of the first storage room (11) can be prevented from rising due to the driving of the defrost heater (3h) by closing the passage (78) that connects the space heated by the defrost heater (3h) and the first storage room (11).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the passage (78) to cool the first storage chamber (11) in the cooling mode. For example, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to open the passage (78) after driving the compressor (2) or before driving the compressor (2).

The control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the passage (78) to maintain the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) in the cooling mode. For example, when the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) is maintained at the first set temperature and the second storage chamber (12) needs to be cooled, the control unit (350) can control the damper (61) to close the passage (78) to prevent the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) from falling below the first set temperature. The cooling mode can be a mode for maintaining the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) at the first set temperature and maintaining the temperature of the second storage chamber (12) at the second set temperature.

The control unit (350) can independently perform an operation to maintain the temperature of the first storage room (11) at the first set temperature in the cooling mode and an operation to maintain the temperature of the second storage room (12) at the second set temperature.

When the control unit (350) is performing the cooling mode, if the defrosting condition of the evaporator (3) is satisfied, the control unit (350) can start the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3). The defrosting mode of the evaporator (3) is a mode for removing frost formed on the evaporator (3), and may be a mode in which the defrosting heater (3h) is driven. The control unit (350) can drive the defrosting heater (3h) in the defrosting mode of the evaporator (3), and may not drive the compressor (2) even if the temperature of the first storage chamber (11) and/or the second storage chamber (12) rises.

In this way, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can cool the storage compartment by supplying cold air generated by the first cooling device (450) to the storage compartment. Cooling the storage compartment (11) by supplying cold air generated by the first cooling device (450) to the storage compartment (11) is referred to as first cooling.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1) may include a second cooling device (400) configured to cool the first storage compartment (11). The second cooling device (400) may be the thermoelectric cooling device (400) described above.

A thermoelectric cooling device (400) may include a thermoelectric element (530), a heat dissipation fan (600), and/or a cooling fan (800).

When power is supplied to the thermoelectric element (530), heat exchange can occur between the cooling sink (570) and the heat sink (520). For example, the thermoelectric element (530) can convert electrical energy into thermal energy, thereby causing a heat generation process in the heating element (531) and an absorption process in the cooling element (532).

When heat generation occurs in the heating unit (531), air warmed by the heat sink (520) in contact with the heating unit (531) is discharged to the outside of the main body (100), and air cooled by the cooling sink (570) in contact with the cooling unit (532) can be supplied to the first storage room (11).

The control unit (350) can control the thermoelectric element (530). Controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling the on/off of the thermoelectric element (530). Controlling the thermoelectric element (530) may include controlling a drive circuit that supplies power to the thermoelectric element (530).

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), i.e., supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include applying voltage and/or current to the thermoelectric element (530).

Driving the thermoelectric element (530) may include PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

Turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may include not supplying electrical energy to the thermoelectric element (530), i.e., not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not applying voltage and/or current to the thermoelectric element (530). Not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) may include not PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530).

In the present disclosure, turning off the thermoelectric element (530) may not include intermittently not supplying power to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on/off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530). That is, even if power is not intermittently supplied to the thermoelectric element (530) according to the on/off duty ratio while PWM controlling the thermoelectric element (530), there is no change in the fact that the thermoelectric element (530) is being driven.

When the thermoelectric element (530) is driven, the heat sink (520) can contact the heating element (531) to absorb the heat of the heating element (531) and release the heat to the outside of the main body (100).

When the thermoelectric element (530) is driven, the cooling sink (570) can cool the first storage room (11) by taking away the heat from the storage room (11) and transferring it to the cooling unit (532).

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may control the thermoelectric element (530) in the cooling mode to maintain the temperature of the first storage compartment (11) at a set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the “first set temperature”) of the first storage compartment (11). The set temperature of the first storage compartment (11) may be set via the user interface (200) of the refrigerator (1) or may be remotely set from an external device via the communication interface (250).

The heat dissipation fan (600) guides air from outside the main body (100) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (520), and can discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) back to the outside of the main body (100).

The control unit (350) can control the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include controlling the fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600). Controlling the heat dissipation fan (600) may include driving the heat dissipation fan (600) and turning off the heat dissipation fan (600). Driving the heat dissipation fan (600) may include rotating the heat dissipation fan (600) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the heat dissipation fan (600) may include stopping the rotation of the heat dissipation fan (600).

The fan motor of the heat dissipation fan (600) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

As the heat dissipation fan (600) operates, the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (520) flows, allowing the heat dissipation sink (520) to quickly dissipate heat. As the heat dissipation sink (520) quickly dissipates heat, the heat generation action in the heating part (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling part (532) can occur smoothly.

The cooling fan (800) can suck in air inside the storage room (11), exchange heat with the cooling sink (570), and discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) back into the storage room (11).

The control unit (350) can control the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include controlling the fan motor of the cooling fan (800). Controlling the cooling fan (800) may include driving the cooling fan (800) and turning off the cooling fan (800). Driving the cooling fan (800) may include rotating the cooling fan (800) at a predetermined speed. Turning off the cooling fan (800) may include stopping the rotation of the cooling fan (800).

The fan motor of the cooling fan (800) may include a BLDC motor whose speed can be controlled.

As the cooling fan (800) operates, the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, thereby rapidly cooling the interior of the storage chamber (11). As the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (570) flows, the heat generation action in the heating unit (531) and the heat absorption action in the cooling unit (532) can occur smoothly.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) can operate the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned on. The control unit (350) can turn off the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the thermoelectric element (530) being turned off.

In one embodiment, the control unit (350) may drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) based on the fact that the thermoelectric element (530) is turned off in the defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530). The defrosting mode of the thermoelectric element (530) may be a mode in which the heat dissipation fan (600) and the cooling fan (800) are driven while the thermoelectric element (530) is not driven, in order to defrost the thermoelectric element (530). That is, the control unit (350) may turn off the thermoelectric element (530) and drive the cooling fan (800) and the heat dissipation fan (600) in order to defrost the thermoelectric element (530).

In this way, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can cool the storage compartment by supplying the cold air generated by the second cooling device (400) to the storage compartment. Cooling the storage compartment (11) by supplying the cold air generated by the second cooling device (400) to the storage compartment (11) is referred to as second cooling.

The control unit (350) may include at least one processor (351) that controls the operation of the refrigerator (1) and at least one memory (352) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the refrigerator (1).

At least one memory (352) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (352) may be implemented as a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1) or as a memory detachable from the refrigerator (1) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the refrigerator (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), and data for expanding the functions of the refrigerator (1) may be stored in a memory detachable from the refrigerator (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the refrigerator (1), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

At least one processor (351) controls the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). Specifically, at least one processor (351) is connected to each component of the refrigerator (1) (defrost sensor (111), internal sensor (112), external sensor (113), user interface (200), communication interface (250), first cooling device (450), second cooling device (400), defrost heater (3h), and/or damper (61), etc.) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, at least one processor (351) is electrically connected to a memory (352) to control the overall operation of the refrigerator (1). The processor (351) may be composed of one or more processors.

At least one processor (351) can perform operations of the refrigerator (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (352).

At least one processor (351) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), an MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (351) may control one or any combination of other components of the refrigerator (1), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (351) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (352). For example, at least one processor (351) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (352).

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first cooling device (450) and a second cooling device (400) for cooling a storage compartment (11), and can cool the storage compartment (11) using at least one of the first cooling device (450) and the second cooling device (400). For example, only the first cooling by the first cooling device (450) may be performed for cooling the storage compartment (11), or both the first cooling by the first cooling device (450) and the second cooling by the second cooling device (400) may be performed simultaneously. In this way, a method for cooling the storage compartment (11) in the refrigerator (1) may include a first method for cooling the storage compartment (11) by performing only the first cooling, and a second method for cooling the storage compartment (11) by performing both the first cooling and the second cooling.

The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. In an overload condition or rapid cooling condition of the storage compartment (11), first cooling and second cooling can be performed together based on the outside temperature being within a preset temperature range. In a condition other than an overload condition or rapid cooling condition of the storage compartment (11), only first cooling can be performed.

Figure 8 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (350) can determine whether an overload condition or a rapid cooling condition is satisfied (1000).

The overload condition may be an overload condition of the storage room (11, 12, 13). The overload condition may be a temperature condition in that it is a condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11, 12, 13). For example, the overload condition may be an overload condition of the storage room (11). The overload condition of the storage room (11) may include the temperature of the storage room (11) being higher than a set temperature of the storage room (11) by a predetermined temperature or more.

The control unit (350) can determine that the overload condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the storage room (11) being higher than the overload temperature, which is a predetermined temperature higher than the set temperature of the storage room (11).

Rapid cooling conditions may include receiving a rapid cooling command via the user interface (200).

The control unit (350) can determine that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied based on the rapid cooling command received through the user interface (200).

The rapid cooling conditions may include initial cooling conditions. The initial cooling conditions may be conditions related to the initial start-up of the refrigerator (1). The initial cooling conditions may be conditions related to the temperature of the storage compartment (11) and the temperature of the evaporator (3).

The control unit (350) can determine that the initial cooling condition is satisfied if the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than the first temperature and the temperature of the evaporator (3) is higher than the second temperature.

The control unit (350) can determine that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied based on the initial cooling condition being satisfied.

The control unit (350) may perform only the first cooling (1300) in response to the overload condition or rapid cooling condition not being satisfied (1000, No). Performing only the first cooling may include driving only the compressor (2) among the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the outside temperature condition is satisfied (1100) in response to the overload condition or rapid cooling condition being satisfied (1000, example).

The outside temperature condition may be a condition related to the temperature range of the outside temperature of the refrigerator. The outside temperature condition may include the outside temperature being within a preset temperature range.

The control unit (350) can determine that the outside temperature condition is satisfied based on the outside temperature detected through the external sensor (113) being within a preset temperature range.

The control unit (350) can perform first cooling and second cooling together (1200) in response to the outside temperature condition being satisfied (1100, example).

Performing the first cooling and the second cooling together may include driving the compressor (2) and the thermoelectric element (530) together.

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling in response to the outside temperature condition not being satisfied (1100, no) (1300).

Conventional refrigerators utilize only one cooling method: primary or secondary cooling. Primary cooling uses a smaller compressor for greater efficiency, but to accommodate peak loads, conventional refrigerators employ larger compressors. Secondary cooling can be implemented in smaller units, but its efficiency is lower than primary cooling, so it's only used in small refrigerators like wine cellars.

Since the first cooling method's maximum cooling capacity is determined by the compressor displacement, a compressor with a large displacement must be used in a high-load range. In this case, the use of a high-displacement compressor reduces efficiency.

The second cooling method is inefficient for application to general refrigerators because the efficiency of the thermoelectric element itself is lower than that of the first cooling method.

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a hybrid refrigerator that can compensate for the shortcomings of the first cooling method by using two cooling sources (a compressor and a thermoelectric element) in combination to cool the refrigerator (1).

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can use the first cooling method and the second cooling method in combination, and can implement the first cooling method with a low-displacement compressor.

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can cool a storage room using only the first cooling in a low-load region, thereby enabling high-efficiency operation even with a low-displacement compressor.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1) can respond to overload or required load by performing first cooling and second cooling together in an overload condition or a condition requiring instantaneous high cooling capacity. That is, in a low-load area, by performing first cooling, the efficiency of the first cooling method can be maximized by using a low-displacement compressor, and in an overload area or a rapid cooling area, by performing first cooling and second cooling together, the disadvantage of the first cooling method using a low-displacement compressor, which is a decrease in load response capability, can be supplemented by using second cooling together.

FIG. 9 illustrates an operation of cooling a storage compartment according to an outside temperature in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 9, the control unit (350) can detect the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) through the external sensor (113) (2000).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the outside temperature is above a predetermined temperature (2100).

The predetermined temperature may include the upper limit of the ambient temperature range at which the thermoelectric element (530) of the second cooling device (400) can generate the optimal Peltier effect. Since the thermoelectric element (530) operates based on the temperature difference between the cooling side and the heat dissipation side, if the ambient temperature is too high, the heat dissipation side may not be able to effectively dissipate heat, resulting in a decrease in cooling efficiency. For example, the predetermined temperature may be 40°C.

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling (2200) in response to the outside temperature being higher than a predetermined temperature (2100, example). For example, if the outside temperature is higher than 40°C, only the first cooling can be performed.

The control unit (350) can determine whether the outside temperature is within a preset temperature range (2300) in response to the outside temperature not being higher than a predetermined temperature (2100, no).

The preset temperature range may include an ambient temperature range in which the thermoelectric element (530) can exhibit the optimal Peltier effect. For example, the preset temperature range may be 22°C to 39°C.

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling in response to the outside temperature not being within the preset temperature range (2300, No). For example, if the outside temperature is 21°C or lower, only the first cooling can be performed.

The control unit (350) may perform only the first cooling or perform both the first cooling and the second cooling in response to the outside temperature being within a preset temperature range (2300, example) (2400). For example, if the outside temperature is between 22°C and 39°C and an overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room is satisfied, the first cooling and the second cooling may be performed together. If the overload condition is not satisfied even when the outside temperature is between 22°C and 39°C, only the first cooling may be performed.

In another embodiment, the second cooling may be terminated based on the satisfaction of a subcooling condition of the storage compartment. The subcooling condition may include detecting a temperature higher than the subcooling temperature after continuously detecting a temperature below the subcooling temperature related to the set temperature of the storage compartment for a predetermined period of time. For example, the second cooling may be terminated until the refrigerator off temperature is detected to be higher than the refrigerator off temperature (e.g., the refrigerator set temperature - 1.0°C) after continuously detecting a temperature below -1.0°C for 10 minutes.

In another embodiment, the second cooling may be terminated under conditions of excessive condensate generation, such as when an error in the cooling load (fan, compressor, etc.) occurs continuously for a predetermined period of time, or when the door of the storage room is opened continuously for a predetermined period of time until the door is detected to be closed.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operation of cooling a storage compartment when the outside temperature is in a first temperature range in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (350) can detect the temperature of the storage room (11) through the internal sensor (112) when the outside temperature is in the first temperature range (3000).

For example, the first temperature range may be 34°C to 39°C.

The control unit (350) can detect the temperature of the storage room (11) when the outside temperature is within 34°C to 39°C.

The control unit (350) can determine whether an overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) is satisfied (3100).

The control unit (350) can perform first cooling and second cooling together (3200) based on whether an overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) is satisfied (3100, example).

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling (3300) based on the fact that the overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) is not satisfied (3100, No).

The overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) may include a first start condition and a first end condition corresponding to a first temperature range. The overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) may include a condition in which the first end condition is satisfied after the first start condition is satisfied.

The first starting condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than or equal to a first starting temperature (T1 ON) related to the set temperature of the storage room (11). The first starting temperature (T1 ON) related to the set temperature of the storage room (11) may be a temperature determined based on the storage room on-temperature temperature (for example, the storage room set temperature + 1°C). For example, T1 ON may be the storage room on-temperature temperature + 4°C.

The first termination condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is lower than or equal to a first termination temperature (T1 OFF) related to the set temperature of the storage room (11). The first termination temperature (T1 OFF) related to the set temperature of the storage room (11) may be a temperature determined based on the storage room temperature (for example, the storage room set temperature + 1°C). For example, T1 OFF may be the storage room temperature - 2°C.

The control unit (350) can start the second cooling when the first start condition is satisfied, and can end the second cooling when the first end condition is satisfied. For example, if the temperature of the storage room (11) is equal to or higher than the storage room temperature + 4°C, the second cooling can be started to be performed together with the first cooling that is being performed, and if the temperature of the storage room (11) is quickly lowered to or lower than the storage room temperature - 2°C due to the additional performance of the second cooling, the second cooling can be ended and only the first cooling can be performed.

FIG. 11 illustrates an operation of cooling a storage compartment when the outside temperature is in a second temperature range in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 11, the control unit (350) can detect the temperature of the storage room (11) through the internal sensor (112) when the outside temperature is in the second temperature range (4000).

For example, the second temperature range may be 22°C to 33°C.

The control unit (350) can detect the temperature of the storage room (11) when the outside temperature is within 22°C to 33°C.

The control unit (350) can determine whether an overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) is satisfied (4100).

The control unit (350) can perform the first cooling and the second cooling together (4200) based on whether an overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) is satisfied (4100, example).

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling (4300) based on the fact that the overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) is not satisfied (4100, No).

The overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) may include a second start condition and a second end condition corresponding to a second temperature range. The overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room (11) may include a condition in which the second end condition is satisfied after the second start condition is satisfied.

The second starting condition may include that the temperature of the storage compartment (11) is higher than or equal to a second starting temperature (T2 ON) related to the set temperature of the storage compartment (11). The second starting temperature (T2 ON) related to the set temperature of the storage compartment (11) may be a temperature determined based on the storage compartment temperature (for example, the storage compartment set temperature + 1°C). For example, T2 ON may be the storage compartment temperature + 6°C. For reference, in the case of the first refrigeration cycle after defrosting, T2 ON may be the storage compartment temperature + 10°C.

The second termination condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is lower than or equal to a second termination temperature (T2 OFF) related to the set temperature of the storage room (11). The second termination temperature (T2 OFF) related to the set temperature of the storage room (11) may be a temperature determined based on the storage room on-temperature temperature (for example, the storage room set temperature + 1°C). For example, T2 OFF may be the storage room on-temperature temperature.

The control unit (350) can start the second cooling when the second start condition is satisfied, and can end the second cooling when the second end condition is satisfied. For example, if the temperature of the storage room (11) is equal to or higher than the storage room temperature + 6°C, the second cooling can be started to be performed together with the first cooling that is being performed, and if the temperature of the storage room (11) is quickly lowered to below the storage room temperature due to the additional performance of the second cooling, the second cooling can be ended and only the first cooling can be performed.

As described above, in a refrigerator (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the overload condition related to the storage room temperature in which the first cooling and the second cooling are performed simultaneously may vary depending on the outside temperature.

If the outside temperature is in the first temperature range (34°C to 39°C) and the temperature of the storage room (11) satisfies the first start condition (storage room temperature + 4°C or higher) of the overload condition, the second cooling can be started to be performed together with the first cooling that is already being performed. If the first end condition (storage room temperature - 2°C or lower) is satisfied, the second cooling can be terminated and only the first cooling can be performed.

If the outside temperature is in the second temperature range (22°C to 33°C) and the temperature of the storage room (11) satisfies the second start condition (storage room temperature + 6°C or higher) of the overload condition, the second cooling can be started to be performed together with the first cooling that is already being performed. If the second end condition (storage room temperature or lower) is satisfied, the second cooling can be terminated and only the first cooling can be performed.

Thus, in temperature ranges where the outside temperature is high, the start time of the second cooling is relatively advanced and the end time is relatively delayed, allowing the second cooling to begin quickly and last longer, effectively responding to overload. Furthermore, in temperature ranges where the outside temperature is low, the start time of the second cooling is relatively delayed and the end time is relatively advanced, allowing the second cooling to begin later and last shorter, effectively responding to overload.

Below, the first cooling and second cooling are performed together under rapid cooling conditions in the storage room (11).

Fig. 12 illustrates an example of an operation for cooling a storage room under rapid cooling conditions in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 12, the control unit (350) can detect the outside temperature of the refrigerator (1) through the external sensor (113) (5000).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the outside temperature is above a predetermined temperature (5100). For example, the predetermined temperature may be 40°C.

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling (5200) in response to the outside temperature being higher than a predetermined temperature (5100, example). For example, if the outside temperature is higher than 40°C, only the first cooling can be performed.

The control unit (350) can determine whether a rapid cooling command is received through the user interface (200) in response to the outside temperature not being higher than a predetermined temperature (5100, No) (5300). If a rapid cooling command is received, it can be determined that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied.

The control unit ((350) can perform only the first cooling (5200) based on the fact that a rapid cooling command is not received (5300, No) via the user interface (200).

The control unit (350) may perform the first cooling and the second cooling together (5400) based on the receipt of a rapid cooling command (5300, example) through the user interface (200). At this time, the control unit (350) may perform the first cooling and the second cooling together regardless of whether an overload condition related to the temperature of the storage room is satisfied based on the receipt of the rapid cooling command.

The control unit (350) can detect the temperature of the storage room (11) through the internal sensor (112) (5500).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature of the storage room (11) satisfies the third termination condition (T3 OFF or lower) (5600). T3 OFF is the termination temperature for terminating the second cooling performed by the rapid cooling command, and may be the temperature at which the temperature of the storage room (11) first reaches the storage room off temperature after performing the first cooling and the second cooling together.

The control unit (350) can perform the first cooling and the second cooling together (5400) in response to the third termination condition (T3 OFF or lower) not being satisfied (5600, No).

The control unit (350) can terminate the second cooling and perform only the first cooling in response to the third termination condition (T3 OFF or lower) being satisfied (5600, example) (5200).

Meanwhile, the control unit (350) can only perform the first cooling even if a rapid cooling command is received when the outside temperature is above a predetermined temperature. If the outside temperature is above 40°C, cold air according to the second cooling is not normally generated, so only the first cooling can be performed regardless of whether a rapid cooling command is received.

Fig. 13 illustrates another example of an operation for cooling a storage compartment under rapid cooling conditions in a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (350) can determine whether the initial cooling conditions related to the storage room temperature and the evaporator temperature are satisfied (6000).

The initial cooling conditions may be conditions related to the initial operation of the refrigerator (1). For example, the initial cooling conditions may be conditions related to the temperature of the storage compartment (12), which is a freezer compartment, and the temperature of the evaporator (3).

The control unit (350) can determine that the initial cooling condition is satisfied if the temperature of the freezer (12) is higher than the first temperature and the temperature of the evaporator (3) is higher than the second temperature. For example, if the internal temperature of the freezer (12) is higher than 10°C and the temperature of the evaporator (3) is higher than 10°C after the refrigerator (1) is turned on, it can be determined that the initial startup has occurred and the initial cooling condition is satisfied. If the initial cooling condition is satisfied, it can be determined that the rapid cooling condition is satisfied.

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling (6100) in response to the initial cooling condition being satisfied (6000, example). For example, only the first cooling can be performed for 5 minutes after the refrigerator (1) is turned on. During this 5-minute period, temperature information can be collected through each temperature sensor of the refrigerator (1).

The control unit (350) can determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first cooling was performed (6200). For example, it can determine whether 5 minutes have elapsed.

The control unit (350) can detect the outside temperature using the external sensor (113) (6300) when a predetermined time has elapsed (6200, for example).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature (6400).

The control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling (6500) in response to the outside temperature being higher than a predetermined temperature (6400, example). For example, if the outside temperature is higher than 40°C, only the first cooling can be performed.

The control unit (350) can perform the first cooling and the second cooling simultaneously (6600) in response to the outside temperature not being higher than a predetermined temperature (6400, No). For example, if the outside temperature is lower than 40°C, the first cooling and the second cooling can be performed simultaneously. By performing the first cooling and the second cooling simultaneously, the storage room (11) can be quickly cooled from the initial cooling condition.

The control unit (350) can detect the temperature of the storage room (11) through the internal sensor (112) (6700).

The control unit (350) can determine whether the temperature of the storage room (11) satisfies the fourth termination condition (T4 OFF or lower) (6800). T4 OFF is the termination temperature for terminating the second cooling performed under the initial cooling condition, and may be the storage room off temperature + 4°C.

The control unit (350) can maintain the performance of the first cooling and the second cooling in response to the fourth termination condition (T4 OFF or lower) not being satisfied (6800, No).

The control unit (350) can terminate the second cooling and perform only the first cooling in response to the satisfaction of the fourth termination condition (T4 OFF or lower) (5600, No) (6900).

Meanwhile, the control unit (350) can perform only the first cooling even if the initial cooling condition is satisfied if the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

According to the present disclosure, the first cooling method using a compressor and the second cooling method using a thermoelectric element can be used in combination, so that in a low-load area, the storage room can be cooled by the first cooling method alone, thereby enabling high-efficiency operation even with a low-displacement compressor, and in an overload condition or a rapid cooling condition, when the outside temperature is in a preset temperature range, the storage room can be cooled by the first cooling and the second cooling, thereby enabling response to an overload or a required load. That is, in a low-load area, the efficiency of the first cooling method can be maximized by using a low-displacement compressor by performing the first cooling, and in an overload area or a rapid cooling area, the first cooling and the second cooling are performed together, thereby complementing the disadvantage of the first cooling method using a low-displacement compressor, which is a reduced load response capability, by using the second cooling together.

A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body (100) forming a storage compartment (11); a first cooling device (450) including a compressor (2) and an evaporator (3) and cooling the storage compartment (11); a second cooling device (400) including a thermoelectric element (530) and cooling the storage compartment (11); a first temperature sensor (113) detecting an external temperature outside the main body; a second temperature sensor (112) detecting a temperature of the storage compartment; And in an overload condition where the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than the set temperature of the storage room (11) by a predetermined temperature or more, the first cooling for cooling the storage room (11) by the first cooling device (450) and the second cooling for cooling the storage room (11) by the second cooling device (400) are performed together based on the outside temperature being in a preset temperature range, and at least one processor (351) for performing only the first cooling based on the outside temperature not being in a preset temperature range.

The preset temperature range may include a first temperature range and a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range. The overload condition may include a first start condition and a second end condition corresponding to the first temperature range, and a second start condition and a second end condition corresponding to the second temperature range.

At least one processor (351) may start second cooling when the first start condition is satisfied and end second cooling when the first end condition is satisfied if the outside temperature corresponds to the first temperature range, and may start second cooling when the second start condition is satisfied and end second cooling when the second end condition is satisfied if the outside temperature corresponds to the second temperature range.

The first starting condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than or equal to a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11), and the second starting condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than the first temperature and higher than or equal to a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11).

The first termination condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is lower than or equal to a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11), and the second termination condition may include that the temperature of the storage room is higher than the first temperature and lower than or equal to a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11).

At least one processor (351) can perform the first cooling and the second cooling together regardless of whether the overload condition is satisfied based on a rapid cooling command received through the user interface (200).

At least one processor (351) can perform only the first cooling even if a rapid cooling command is received when the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

At least one processor (351) can determine whether the initial cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the storage chamber (12) and the temperature of the evaporator (3), and perform the first cooling and the second cooling together based on the initial cooling condition being satisfied.

At least one processor (351) may perform only the first cooling for a preset time from the time when the initial cooling condition is satisfied, start the second cooling to be performed simultaneously with the first cooling being performed based on the elapsed preset time, and end the second cooling based on the temperature of the storage room (11) being reduced to a preset temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11).

At least one processor (351) can perform only the first cooling even if the initial cooling condition is satisfied when the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

A control method of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first cooling device (450) including a compressor (2) and an evaporator (3) and cooling a storage compartment (11); a second cooling device (400) including a thermoelectric element (530) and cooling the storage compartment (11); In the control method of a refrigerator, in an overload condition in which the temperature of the storage compartment (11) is higher than a set temperature of the storage compartment (11) by a predetermined temperature or more, first cooling for cooling the storage compartment (11) by the first cooling device (450) and second cooling for cooling the storage compartment (11) by the second cooling device (400) may be performed together based on the fact that the outside temperature of the refrigerator is in a preset temperature range, and only the first cooling may be performed based on the fact that the outside temperature is not in a preset temperature range.

The preset temperature range may include a first temperature range and a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range. The overload condition may include a first start condition and a second end condition corresponding to the first temperature range, and a second start condition and a second end condition corresponding to the second temperature range.

Performing the first cooling and the second cooling together may include starting the second cooling when the first start condition is satisfied when the outside temperature corresponds to the first temperature range, and ending the second cooling when the first end condition is satisfied when the outside temperature corresponds to the second temperature range, starting the second cooling when the second start condition is satisfied, and ending the second cooling when the second end condition is satisfied.

The first starting condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than or equal to a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11), and the second starting condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than the first temperature and higher than or equal to a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11).

The first termination condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is lower than or equal to a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11), and the second termination condition may include that the temperature of the storage room (11) is higher than the first temperature and lower than or equal to a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room (11).

It may further include performing the first cooling and the second cooling together regardless of whether the overload condition is satisfied based on the rapid cooling command received through the user interface (200).

It may further include performing only the first cooling even if a rapid cooling command is received when the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

It may further include determining whether the initial cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the storage room (12) and the temperature of the evaporator (3), and performing the first cooling and the second cooling together based on the initial cooling condition being satisfied.

Performing the first cooling and the second cooling together may include performing only the first cooling for a preset time from the time when the initial cooling condition is satisfied, starting the second cooling to be performed simultaneously with the first cooling being performed based on the elapsed time of the preset time, and terminating the second cooling based on the temperature of the storage chamber (11) being reduced to a preset temperature related to the set temperature of the storage chamber (11).

It may further include performing only the first cooling even if the initial cooling condition is satisfied when the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims (15)

The body forming the storage room; A first cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator and cooling the storage room; A second cooling device including a thermoelectric element and cooling the storage room; A first temperature sensor that detects the external temperature outside the main body; A second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage room; and A refrigerator comprising at least one processor that, under an overload condition in which the temperature of the storage room is higher than a set temperature of the storage room by a predetermined temperature, performs first cooling by cooling the storage room by the first cooling device and second cooling by cooling the storage room by the second cooling device based on the outside temperature being within a preset temperature range, and performs only the first cooling based on the outside temperature not being within the preset temperature range. In the first paragraph, The above preset temperature range is, Includes a first temperature range and a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range, The above overload condition is, A first starting condition and a second ending condition corresponding to the first temperature range; and A refrigerator including a second start condition and a second end condition corresponding to the second temperature range. In the second paragraph, At least one processor, If the above outside temperature corresponds to the first temperature range, if the first start condition is satisfied, the second cooling is started, and if the first end condition is satisfied, the second cooling is ended. A refrigerator that starts the second cooling when the second start condition is satisfied and ends the second cooling when the second end condition is satisfied when the outside temperature corresponds to the second temperature range. In the third paragraph, The first starting condition includes that the temperature of the storage room is equal to or higher than a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room, A refrigerator wherein the second starting condition comprises that the temperature of the storage compartment is higher than the first temperature and higher than a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage compartment. In the third paragraph, The first termination condition includes that the temperature of the storage room is lower than or equal to a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room, A refrigerator in which the second termination condition includes a temperature of the storage compartment being higher than the first temperature and lower than a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage compartment. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that performs the first cooling and the second cooling together regardless of whether the overload condition is satisfied based on a rapid cooling command received through a user interface. In paragraph 6, At least one processor, A refrigerator that performs only the first cooling even if the rapid cooling command is received when the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature. In the first paragraph, At least one processor, A refrigerator that determines whether an initial cooling condition is satisfied based on the temperature of the storage compartment and the temperature of the evaporator, and performs the first cooling and the second cooling together based on the satisfaction of the initial cooling condition. In paragraph 8, At least one processor, A refrigerator that performs only the first cooling for a preset time from the time when the initial cooling condition is satisfied, starts the second cooling to be performed simultaneously with the first cooling being performed based on the elapse of the preset time, and ends the second cooling based on the temperature of the storage compartment being reduced to a preset temperature related to the set temperature of the storage compartment. In paragraph 9, At least one processor, A refrigerator that performs only the first cooling even if the initial cooling condition is satisfied when the outside temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature. A method for controlling a refrigerator, comprising: a first cooling device including a compressor and an evaporator and cooling a storage compartment; a second cooling device including a thermoelectric element and cooling the storage compartment; In an overload condition where the temperature of the storage room is higher than the set temperature of the storage room by a predetermined temperature or more, the first cooling for cooling the storage room by the first cooling device and the second cooling for cooling the storage room by the second cooling device are performed together based on the fact that the outside temperature of the refrigerator is in a preset temperature range. A control method for a refrigerator, comprising performing only the first cooling based on the outside temperature not being within the preset temperature range. In Article 11, The above preset temperature range is, Includes a first temperature range and a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range, The above overload condition is, A first starting condition and a second ending condition corresponding to the first temperature range; and A control method for a refrigerator including a second start condition and a second end condition corresponding to the second temperature range. In paragraph 12, Performing the first cooling and the second cooling together, If the above outside temperature corresponds to the first temperature range, if the first start condition is satisfied, the second cooling is started, and if the first end condition is satisfied, the second cooling is ended. A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: starting the second cooling when the second start condition is satisfied, and ending the second cooling when the second end condition is satisfied, if the outside temperature corresponds to the second temperature range. In Article 13, The first starting condition includes that the temperature of the storage room is equal to or higher than a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room, A control method for a refrigerator, wherein the second starting condition includes that the temperature of the storage room is higher than the first temperature and higher than a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room. In Article 13, The first termination condition includes that the temperature of the storage room is lower than or equal to a first temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room, A control method for a refrigerator, wherein the second termination condition includes that the temperature of the storage room is higher than the first temperature and lower than a second temperature related to the set temperature of the storage room.